Watching the lava flow heading towards Pahoa has been simply upsetting. A parcel of land that I'd helped a young couple from Waikiki purchase was in the crosshairs. They loved it because it was close enough to walk to town and yet still serious Jungle. The advance was slow and unsteady, with the lava halting for days at a time, then practically squirting forward. The flow nicked the corner of their lot and may carry on covering it. Nobody knows. I keep watch on the daily updates from Hawaii Volcano Observatory, the only reliable and scientific source of information.

November 7th's updates from HVO were very informative and I highly recommend listening to the discussion by the HVO scientist Frank Trusdell about the lava's advancement (and inflation).

Miraculously, no dwellings have been burned. What has burned, besides trees and vegetation, was a pile of tires that was buried in some tall weeds on private land (above photo taken from my office window at Savio Realty). Discussions about removing toxic materials in advance of the lava flow have ensued. I hope we can avoid adding more pollution than is inevitable by removing the plastics and hazardous materials that may be in the flow's path.

At present, Civil Defense is not letting the public view the lava flow. I hope this changes, as literally everyone enjoys watching lava. Young and old, first-timers and frequent visitors. I'm jonesing myself. But no access means no access. Apparently my days of civil disobedience are over. I have heard of people trying to go cross-country to see the flow and becoming very sick. The fumes ARE dangerous. And there have been arrests.

Below is a photo of the power poles that have been insulated by reflective foil and rocks and cinder. This was a student's idea and I hope the authorities continue to take suggestions from these young and brilliant minds. They've got ideas for bridging the flow if it crosses the highway. I want students to be able to experiment with the lava and see if some good things can come of this flow - whether power generation, arts & crafts, or just getting to do studies of lava behavior.

Pahoa Village Road just past the Post Office. The low spot is where the lava is projected to cover this road. The lava hasn't advanced since Thursday, October 30th and is still about 500 feet from the road.